The Culture of the Currant and the Gooseberry 1603 



The gooseberry can endure the coldest climate of our State without the 

 slightest injury. It does not seem to be able to endure extreme heat, 

 however, and consequently the yield is often decreased by severe droughts 

 or scorching summer suns. 



The gooseberry produces some fruit the second year after planting, but 

 does not come into full bearing until about the fourth year. After this 

 one can expect about eight commercial crops. The growers believe that 

 it is better economy to dig up the patch after twelve years and set a new 

 one than to continue cropping after this time. In an old patch the cost 

 of production is greater. 



SOIL 



The heavier soils give the better results, provided they are drained. 

 The rich clay loam, cool and moist, with porous subsoil, is ideal. The 

 gooseberry will do well on the lighter soils, even the sandy loams, although 

 on these types there is more liability to drought. Many of the patches 

 in western New York which are giving good yields are on gravelly loams. 



The gooseberry requires an abundance of moisture. As it cannot endure 

 drought, a dry soil should be avoided. It is also a heavy feeder and gives 

 the best results on rich land. Care should be exercised in the choice of 

 soils. 



The cool northern exposure is preferable. Since the gooseberry requires 

 an abundance of moisture, it may be planted in the shade of trees or 

 buildings, although it is not so well adapted to these conditions as is the 

 currant. 



Preparation 



The gooseberry appreciates thorough preparation of the soil. As it is 

 a gross feeder, a heavy application of stable manure should be applied 

 and plowed under before planting. In order to bring the soil into good 

 physical condition, it is advisable to grow a cultivated crop the previous 

 summer. The ground will be in good condition then for fall or spring 

 planting. 



propagation 

 The common method of propagation for both English and American 

 varieties of gooseberries is mound layering, although the American varie- 

 ties may be propagated by stem cuttings. 



Mound layering 



An abundance of new branches should first be secured. This is 

 best done by cutting back the plants severely, that is, heading in the 

 main branches to short stubs, which should be four or six inches in 



